In 2025, American households earned a record median income of $87,460, slightly higher than in 2019 when adjusted for inflation. While incomes for women rose and the poverty rate fell slightly, income growth was mainly seen among the wealthiest families, and the poorest households saw little improvement.
Key Facts
Median household income in 2025 was $87,460, just 2.5% above the 2019 level of $85,320 after adjusting for inflation.
From 2013 to 2019, median income increased by 19%, much faster than in the recent six years.
Women’s pay increased by 3.2% in 2025, narrowing but not closing the wage gap; women earned about 84 cents for every dollar men made.
Men’s income slightly declined in 2025.
The top 10% of earners saw their income rise by 1.7% to $261,300, while the bottom 10% had a small income decrease to just over $20,000.
The U.S. poverty rate dropped by 0.5 percentage points to 10.2% in 2025.
Tax changes under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" act, signed by President Donald Trump in 2025, benefited high-income earners and corporations the most.
Cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food stamps started in 2026, which may affect poverty and income data in future reports.
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Senator Peter Welch questioned FBI Director Kash Patel about whether the FBI will get involved in the upcoming November elections. Welch expressed concern that Patel is willing to use the FBI to look into President Donald Trump’s personal election disputes and might act to influence the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Senator Peter Welch is from Vermont and a member of the Democratic Party.
Welch spoke during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing.
FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly been willing to investigate President Trump’s claims about past election results.
Welch worried this could mean the FBI might interfere in the midterm elections this November.
President Trump has said he believes the 2024 elections could be rigged if he loses.
The hearing involved questions about the FBI’s role and impartiality during elections.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has slightly increased after the Republican Party held its first midterm convention in Dallas. Polls show a small rise in his popularity, but many Americans still disapprove of his job performance and some of his campaign promises.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval went up from a low point in late August according to several polls.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval at 35% with 62% disapproving.
Rasmussen’s poll showed 45% approval and 54% disapproval among likely voters.
The New York Times average showed approval at 39% and disapproval at 58% after the convention.
The Republican National Convention (RNC) took place September 9-10 in Dallas and was the GOP’s first midterm convention.
Trump promised a $5,000 payment to each adult American if Republicans win both the House and Senate.
Many lawmakers doubt the $5,000 payment is realistic or affordable.
Trump encouraged supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot, and the event had mixed reactions and attendance claims.
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Attorney General Todd Blanche said it was okay for President Donald Trump to express frustration with the Supreme Court after they rejected his requests to change mail-in voting rules. Blanche also said the White House will follow the court's decision.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized the Supreme Court for not approving his proposed changes to mail-in voting.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said President Trump has the right to voice his concerns about the court’s decisions.
Blanche spoke about this during a White House briefing in the Rose Garden.
The administration will comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling despite President Trump’s criticisms.
Trump said the justices acted differently once they were on the court compared to during their nomination process.
Blanche said Trump’s comments do not threaten the court’s independence.
This is not the first time President Trump has publicly questioned the Supreme Court.
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FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to answer questions about various topics, including election security and FBI involvement in the upcoming midterm elections. He faced critical questions from Democratic senators but denied political interference by the FBI.
Key Facts
Kash Patel is the current FBI Director.
He testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing.
Senators from the Democratic party questioned him on election-related matters.
Patel was asked about the FBI’s role in the 2024 midterm elections.
He denied that the FBI would interfere in the elections.
Patel faced criticism similar to what Attorney General Pam Bondi experienced.
The hearing covered a wide range of topics, including unusual issues like bestiality.
Patel largely pushed back against Democratic lawmakers' concerns during the hearing.
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A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says that a U.S. war with Iran could increase inflation early next year. The CBO also estimates that the war might cost the U.S. government at least $2 billion every month while it lasts.
Key Facts
The CBO is a nonpartisan government agency that provides budget and economic information.
The report predicts inflation will rise due to the conflict with Iran in early 2025.
The estimated monthly cost of the war is at least $2 billion.
The cost includes military operations and economic effects related to the conflict.
Inflation means prices for goods and services will go up.
The report reflects the potential financial impact while the war continues.
This analysis helps lawmakers understand the possible economic challenges ahead.
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Senator John Kennedy asked FBI Director Kash Patel about changes in the FBI's hiring rules during a Senate hearing. The FBI used to automatically disqualify people involved in activities like bestiality from being hired, but that policy has changed.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy questioned FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
The hearing focused on updated hiring qualifications at the FBI.
Previously, the FBI banned people who had engaged in prostitution or bestiality from working at the agency.
The FBI no longer considers bestiality an automatic reason to reject job applicants.
Kash Patel is the current FBI Director.
These changes were discussed publicly for the first time during this oversight hearing.
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The Cook Political Report changed its rating for the New Hampshire Senate race to “toss-up,” meaning the contest is now seen as very competitive. The race is between Democrat Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu, a former senator returning after 18 years.
Key Facts
The Cook Political Report is an organization that analyzes election chances.
They changed the New Hampshire Senate race rating to “toss-up.”
“Toss-up” means neither candidate has a clear advantage.
Democrat Chris Pappas is the current U.S. Representative from New Hampshire.
John Sununu, a Republican, served as a senator before and is running again after 18 years.
Democrats need to hold this seat to keep control of the Senate.
The race is now considered more favorable for Republicans than before.
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Nick Reiner, son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, will not face the death penalty for the fatal stabbing of his parents in Los Angeles. Prosecutors decided the maximum punishment will be life in prison without parole, after considering Nick’s mental health and other factors.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner was charged with first-degree murder for killing his parents in December.
Prosecutors reviewed the case carefully and rejected the death penalty option.
The death penalty has not been used in California for over 20 years, and there is a state moratorium on it.
Nick’s public defender said he has serious mental illness and struggled with self-medication.
Nick has pleaded not guilty twice and is awaiting trial expected next year.
There is a legal debate over whether transcripts from the secret grand jury proceedings will be made public, with some family members opposing it.
Nick is also seeking access to a trust fund set up by his parents to rehire a former defense attorney.
Rob Reiner, Nick’s father, was honored posthumously at the Emmy Awards shortly after the case developments.
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FBI Director Kash Patel explained that the FBI lowered some hiring rules to avoid rejecting applicants who were victims of crimes like sexual assault or trafficking involving animals. These applicants still must meet strict standards, but the rules no longer automatically disqualify people for past involvement in prostitution, theft, or bestiality under certain conditions.
Key Facts
The FBI changed hiring rules so applicants who were victims of sexual assault or trafficking, including cases involving animals, are not automatically disqualified.
Before, anyone involved in prostitution, theft, or bestiality was automatically barred from working at the FBI.
Now, applicants involved in prostitution can be considered if the acts were more than 10 years ago and happened fewer than three times.
For employment theft, eligibility returns if the act happened more than three years ago.
People involved in bestiality before they were 18 years old can be considered for hiring.
These changes aim to help victims of these acts who may later want to work in law enforcement.
Senators from both parties questioned Patel about why and how these new rules were made.
Patel emphasized that criminals on the "other side" of such acts remain ineligible; the changes focus on victims.
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Senator Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate after a months-long absence due to a fall that left him unconscious. McConnell is not running for reelection, and the race to replace him in Kentucky is between Republican Andy Barr and Democrat Charles Booker, with Barr currently favored to win.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell, 84 years old, was absent from the Senate after suffering a fall in June.
McConnell will finish his current term in January 2027 and is not seeking reelection.
Kentucky is a traditionally Republican state, making it a challenging race for Democrats.
Democrat Charles Booker is running to replace McConnell, trying to flip the seat from Republican Andy Barr.
An internal Democratic poll showed Barr leading Booker by 9 points, but independent polls are lacking.
Prediction markets give Barr a 95-96% chance to win the election.
Booker has previously run in Senate races but lost in Republican-leaning Kentucky.
McConnell returned to work on September 14 but said he is not yet fully recovered.
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Angie Katsanevas, a cast member of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," said the show will include parts of her work advocating for causes in Washington, D.C. She filmed some scenes related to her efforts on Capitol Hill for the series.
Key Facts
Angie Katsanevas is a star on the TV show "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City."
She has been involved in advocacy work in Washington, D.C.
Some of her advocacy activities were filmed for the reality TV show.
Capitol Hill refers to the area in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Congress meets.
The show will show parts of her time spent working on political or social causes.
This marks a new element for the show, including real-life political engagement.
Katsanevas’ involvement highlights a connection between reality TV and political advocacy.
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House Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee are asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) why it has not accepted Pennsylvania’s report of two measles deaths, which are the first in 35 years. The committee’s senior member Frank Pallone, Jr. sent a letter to the new CDC director Erica Schwartz requesting explanations.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania reported two deaths caused by measles.
These are the first measles deaths in the U.S. in 35 years.
The CDC has not accepted Pennsylvania’s report of these deaths.
House Democrats want the CDC to explain its refusal.
Frank Pallone, Jr., a senior Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote a letter to CDC director Erica Schwartz.
The letter demands answers about the CDC’s decision and actions.
The issue involves disease reporting and government health data accuracy.
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The UK government announced new rules requiring company bosses to meet face-to-face with employees who request flexible working hours and explain any refusals. These changes aim to give workers stronger rights and ensure employers carefully consider flexibility requests.
Key Facts
Employees in the UK can request flexible working hours.
Employers must meet employees in person to discuss these requests.
If an employer refuses a request, they have to explain why.
The rules strengthen the existing law where employers must consider requests reasonably.
The announcement was made by Louise Haigh, the UK first secretary of state.
The changes are part of wider improvements in worker rights, including sick pay and parental leave.
The UK government supports unions and their role in improving work conditions.
The new rules aim to balance business needs with workers’ family and personal responsibilities.
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A California man, Nathaniel James McGuire, admitted to bombing a Santa Maria courthouse in 2024 after police seized his guns. The explosion injured three people, caused significant damage, and was meant to target law enforcement officers and a judge.
Key Facts
Nathaniel James McGuire is 22 years old and from Santa Barbara County, California.
In September 2024, he threw a backpack bomb into the Santa Maria courthouse.
After planting the bomb, McGuire tried to return with two long guns and 10 Molotov cocktails but was stopped by police.
The bomb explosion injured three people and caused $35,000 in damage.
McGuire pleaded guilty to using a weapon of mass destruction and destroying a building with explosives.
He has been in federal custody since the attack and faces life in prison.
Officials described the attack as a terroristic assault targeting judges and law enforcement.
Threats against judges and court officials have increased sharply since 2015, with over 4,500 threats reported in 2021.
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President Donald Trump said the FBI, led by Christopher Wray at the time, mishandled the investigation into the 2024 assassination attempt against him. New documents revealed details about the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, including how he hid his identity when buying gun parts and that an anonymous donor paid for his cremation after he was killed.
Key Facts
The assassination attempt happened on July 13, 2024, during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks shot at Trump with an assault rifle from a rooftop, injuring Trump in the ear and critically wounding two others, and killing one attendee.
Crooks was killed by a Secret Service agent at the scene.
President Trump accused the FBI under Biden’s administration of a cover-up and called it a "Democrat Plot."
FBI Director Christopher Wray was criticized by Trump for how the investigation was handled.
New documents show Crooks bought gun parts online using the false name "Bob Dole," delivered to his parents’ home.
An anonymous donor paid for Crooks' cremation shortly after the attack; his family reportedly could not afford the expenses.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Chuck Grassley, is investigating how Crooks bypassed security measures.
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The Kennedy Center board, led by President Donald Trump and his allies, voted to close the center immediately for renovations due to its poor condition and financial problems. A federal judge blocked the board’s attempts to rename the center after President Trump or add his name to the building without Congress's approval.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center board is chaired by President Donald Trump and includes his Cabinet members and political supporters.
The board voted to shut the center immediately for repairs because the building is in bad shape and losing money.
The center is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and efforts to rename it after President Trump have faced legal challenges.
A federal judge ruled that adding President Trump’s name without Congress's permission is not allowed.
Last year, Congress gave $250 million to fund renovations for the Kennedy Center.
President Trump claims he has raised $17 million in donations to help the center financially.
The renovations will not start until higher courts rule on the legal fight over the naming of the center.
The center’s name was previously removed from the facade after a court order, and the building’s exterior has been covered with scaffolding and a tarp.
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The Senate voted 49 to 50 against moving forward with the Clarity Act, a bill to regulate cryptocurrencies. Democrats opposed the bill because they believe it does not do enough to prevent President Donald Trump and his family from potentially profiting from crypto businesses.
Key Facts
The Clarity Act is a cryptocurrency regulation bill that failed to pass in the Senate due to lack of support.
It received 49 votes in favor and 50 against; 60 votes were needed to advance the bill.
All Democrats and four Republicans voted against the bill.
The bill aimed to clarify regulatory duties between financial agencies overseeing crypto, like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune supported the bill, saying it would protect investors and improve cryptocurrency rules.
Senator Elizabeth Warren opposed the bill, saying it risks families, the economy, and national security.
Democrats raised concerns that the bill's ethics rules are too weak to stop President Trump and his family from making profits in the crypto industry.
President Trump reportedly made $1.4 billion in crypto income last year, including from his meme coin business and family firms.
Democrats want stronger rules and a bipartisan agreement on cryptocurrency legislation.
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Attorney General Todd Blanche did not answer when asked if he requested Joe diGenova to resign from the Justice Department. Reports say there was a tense phone call between Blanche and diGenova before diGenova left his position.
Key Facts
Attorney General Todd Blanche was questioned about Joe diGenova’s resignation.
Blanche avoided answering whether he asked diGenova to resign.
Joe diGenova is known to be an ally of President Donald Trump.
Reports mention a tense phone call between Blanche and diGenova before the resignation.
Blanche said he would not discuss communications with prosecutors to protect fairness.
DiGenova recently left his role at the Justice Department.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is accused of ordering agents to lie about who they are to get access to state voter lists and to create false proof of voter fraud before the midterm elections. Senators Chuck Schumer and Alex Padilla claim a whistleblower revealed these instructions and have asked DHS to stop these actions and provide an explanation.
Key Facts
DHS agents were reportedly told to "misrepresent themselves" to access voter rolls.
Agents were allegedly directed to break state laws to get private voter information.
The effort includes finding or inventing evidence of voter fraud.
Senators Schumer and Padilla publicly shared these claims citing a whistleblower’s information.
The allegations were made just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections.
DHS said it uses voter rolls and immigration data to investigate election fraud.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said it is actively pursuing election fraud cases under President Trump.
Senators have demanded DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin halt these alleged practices and explain the situation.
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